Virtual Filmmaking with Unreal Engine 5: A step-by-step guide to creating a complete animated short film

Discover the power of storytelling with Unreal Engine 5's real-time technology, exploring storyboarding, character creation, world building, animating using sequencers, and much more with the help of an Unreal Authorized Instructor

Key Features

• Learn in detail about filmmaking techniques and understand how to tie that into your Unreal Engine workflow
• Generate and animate near-photorealistic actors using the innovative MetaHuman technology
• Build expansive worlds with Nanite and Lumen Global Illumination and Reflections technology
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Virtual Filmmaking with Unreal Engine 5 is the first Unreal Engine book to guide you through the complete process of virtual film production. Encompassing the full spectrum of filmmaking, this book demonstrates the use of an industry-standard tool used by studios such as Disney, ILM, DNEG, and Framestore.

Walking through the process systematically, you’ll collect references and create a simple storyboard to plan your shots. You'll create virtual environments, import 3D models and add materials and textures to build photorealistic, dynamic worlds. You'll also create actors using highly customizable MetaHumans, understand how to import, re-target, and animate them. You’ll bring it all together with cinematic lighting and camera animation before exporting your film.

By the end of this book, you’ll have discovered new tools for your toolkit to work on your virtual film projects in Unreal Engine 5, leveraging Quixel Megascans, Lumen, Nanite, and MetaHuman technology.

What you will learn

• Grasp the principles of photography and the art of storytelling
• Collect references and create storyboards
• Discover Unreal Engine's hidden features and useful keyboard shortcuts
• Explore the capabilities of Quixel Megascans, Lumen, Nanite, and MetaHumans
• Adopt cinematic techniques to achieve professional-looking shots
• Creatively apply Lumen Global Illumination and Reflections techniques
• Use multiple virtual cameras and apply post-production techniques
• Implement best practices for optimization, post processing, and rendering

Who this book is for

Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate filmmaker, 3D artist, animator, visual effects artist, or virtual production professional with just basic knowledge of the Unreal Engine, this book is designed to help you enter the world of virtual films and animations.

While prior experience with the Unreal Engine would be beneficial, a deep working knowledge is not essential, as the book introduces the relevant tools and features needed throughout the activities.

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started with Unreal Engine
2. Understanding the Principles of Photography, Film Cameras, and Lenses
3. Understanding the Art of Storytelling and Creating Your Storyboard
4. Importing 3D Objects and Creating Levels
5. Creating Environments with Quixel Megascans
6. Creating and Applying Materials to 3D Meshes
7. Creating Actors with Unreal Engine MetaHumans
8. Retargeting the MetaHumans for Unreal Engine 5
9. Adding Animations and Facial Expressions to Your MetaHuman Characters
10. Adding and Animating Virtual Cameras Using the Level Sequencer
11. Enhancing Set Dressing, Retiming Shots, and Adding Niagara Particles
12. Setting the Mood with Lighting and Adding Post-Processing Effects
13. Exploring Color Management, Additional Camera Settings and Rendering Your Shots
14. Adding Sound and Finalizing Your Virtual Film
15. Appendix: Creating Material IDs Using Blender